Helen Kelly

The meeting focused on strategies for reducing traffic-related fatalities, reporting an 18% decrease in year-to-date fatalities compared to the previous year. Key discussions included the upcoming Strategic Highway Safety Plan, updates on distracted driving and seat belt awareness campaigns, and the implementation of new safety training programs for first responders and student driver education. Additionally, the committee discussed the integration of safety technology in vehicles and the importance of data-driven targeting for public safety initiatives.

The meeting focused on the "Serious About Safety" campaign and a three-part effort to improve transportation safety: delivering high-level implementation plans, advocating for positive outcomes through partnerships and a safety changemakers cohort, and strategically addressing lacking tools. Discussion points included fatality reduction trends, efforts to prevent deaths in hot cars, and the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) assessment program. The committee reviewed 18 crashes, noting trends in dark-condition accidents and crossing incidents, and outlined the status of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan update.

The meeting provided an update on traffic safety initiatives and performance in Maryland. Key topics included a review of the calendar year 2025 fatality data, which showed a significant reduction in total traffic, pedestrian, and motorcycle fatalities, despite a slight increase in vehicle miles traveled. Discussions also covered the development of the 2026-2030 Strategic Highway Safety Plan, emphasizing the 'safe system approach', community engagement efforts across the state, and the establishment of a new goal to achieve a 30% reduction in traffic fatalities by 2030 as a step toward the ultimate vision of zero deaths.

The meeting included a review of fatality data trends, noting a reduction in deaths compared to previous years. There was a discussion on the legislative session, with a more comprehensive update scheduled for a future meeting. The primary focus of the session was a detailed case review of a motor vehicle crash to analyze human behavior, vehicle performance, the impact of safety systems, and how such reviews contribute to improving roadway safety.

The meeting minutes document covers discussions related to Drivers Education. Key topics included the distribution status of new MVA windshield stickers for new or repaired vehicles, the lack of reported issues with ride-alongs by compliance inspectors, and implementation details for HB 463 concerning the Roadway Safety Driving Education Program, specifically regarding the end-of-program test structure and the potential development of a portal query function for existing student ID numbers. Further discussions addressed the status and rollout timeline for the revised Driver Education Curriculum, the continuation of daily BTW data reporting, the inability to restore historical BTW data to the portal, and the scheduling of the Instructor Training and Apprentice Instructor Program review for 2026. Additionally, proposed revisions to COMAR 11.23.01 were reviewed, including clarification on the definition of a crime of moral turpitude and requests concerning office hour requirements and the language for the final exam. Finally, guidance was provided on handling students with disabilities and reportable medical conditions, and confirmation that the annual report requirement remains in place.